Subaru XV Crosstrek Dashboard Warning Lights

These are the dashboard warning lights for the Subaru XV Crosstrek. Known as the Subaru Crosstrek in North America and the Subaru XV in Asia, Europe and Australia, this Subaru XV Crosstrek dashboard warning lights guide explains all symbol meanings and what action to take based on the manufacturer’s recommendation.

The warning lights detailed on this page cover all versions of the XV Crosscheck, including the latest models. Dashboard display designs and layouts vary depending on the year of manufacture of your XV Crosscheck.

Warning light name: Airbag
Description: The airbag SRS (Supplementary Restraint System) is deployed during an accident to help minimize injury.
Action to take: The Subaru XV Crosstrek stays on or flashes due to a malfunction in the seat belt pretensioners and/or SRS airbag system. The fault is often sensor related; either ABS sensor. ABS module, cables or connectors loose under front seats, passenger occupancy sensor or an object being lodged in a belt buckle.

Warning light name: Check engine / malfunction indicator light (MIL)
Description: Though the check engine warning light is related to the emissions control system, the light is generic, meaning that there’s no specific fault associated with it. When the check engine warning light comes on, a fault code is stored in the vehicle’s ECU.
Action to take: Have fault codes read with diagnostic equipment (every good vehicle workshop has one). The fault codes will inform you of what the malfunction is. Common faults associated with the Subaru XV Crosstrek check engine warning light are:

• Catalytic converter fault
• Mass airflow sensor
• Oxygen sensor
• Loose gas cap
• Failing spark plugs

The check engine warning light can either remain constantly lit or flash. If it’s flashing, it can be an indication of engine misfire which has the potential to damage the catalytic converter. In this situation, avoid hard acceleration, deceleration or high engine speeds. Although you can generally keep driving with the check engine light on, you should have the fault rectified as soon as possible.

Warning light name: Engine coolant / overheating
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek engine temperature warning light can illuminate in red to indicate the engine is overheating or blue to indicate the engine has not sufficiently warmed up as of yet. When the engine is up to optimal operating temperature, the blue light will go off.
Action to take: The engine temperature warning light has the following actions:

• Illumination in blue indicates insufficient warming up of the engine.
• Flashing in red indicates that the engine is close to overheating.
  
• Illumination in red indicates overheating condition of the engine.
• Alternately flashing in red then blue indicates the electrical system may be malfunctioning. This is possibly the engine coolant temperature sensor.

If the engine temperature light is red or flashing, and steam is coming from the engine, stop as soon as possible and switch off the engine and wait for it to cool down. If no steam is coming from the engine, pull off the road and idle the engine and open the hood to allow ventilation. Check that the cooling fan is operating and when the warning light turns off, switch off the engine. Now check engine coolant levels and top up as required.

Warning light name: Battery charge
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek battery charge warning light stays on constantly indicating that the alternator is not charging the battery
Action to take: When the battery is exhausted of charge, the engine will usually stall. It’s recommended that you immediately switch off any electrical equipment that’s not essential to driving / safety and make your way right away to a car repair shop. Have the alternator and battery tested and check alternator belt and connections.

Warning light name: Oil pressure
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek oil pressure warning light staying on while driving is an indication of a malfunction in the engine lubrication system. Low oil pressure can cause significant damage to the engine.
Action to take: Stop the vehicle as soon as possible ans switch off the engine. Low oil pressure can be caused by low oil levels. Check oil level and if low, add oil right away. If the low oil pressure light remains on after adding oil, switch off the engine and do not continue driving. Contact a Subaru workshop for assistance.

Warning light name: Oil level
Description: This light illuminates when the Subaru XV Crosstrek engine oil level decreases to the lower limit.
Action to take: Add engine oil as soon as possible to the specified range. Continued driving with low engine oil level can cause damage to engine components. Depending on the vehicle being driven and the driving conditions, it can take up to 10 minutes for the low oil warning light to turn off.

Warning light name: AT OIL TEMP
Description: The AT OIL TEMP warning light may either remain lit or flash.
Action to take: Depending on whether the AT OIL TEMP warning light is constantly lit or flashing, take the following actions:

• Constantly lit: The AT OIL TEMP being constantly lit means the Subaru XV Crosstrek automatic transmission’s oil temperature is too high and is at risk of overheating and causing damage. Stop as soon as possible and leave the engine idling until the warning light goes off.
• Flashing: The AT OIL TEMP flashing indicates a possible fault with the automatic transmission and  may indicate that the transmission control system is not working properly. In this instance, have your vehicle serviced by a Subaru workshop.

Warning light name: Tire Pressure
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek tire pressure monitoring system warning light either remains constantly lit or flashes for 60 seconds then remains on.
Action to take: The following procedure is recommended if the tire pressure light comes on:

• Remains lit: If the light remains lit, it means the tire pressure system has detected a tire that’s underinflated. Check tire pressure as soon as possible.
• Flashes: If the tire pressure light flashes, it means a fault has been detected with the tire pressure monitoring system (TPMS). This may be due to a damaged pressure sensor, or a sensor where the battery has failed and requires replacement. The light may also flash if the TPMS has not yet been reset.

Tire Pressure System Reset
After adjusting the tire pressures, the Subaru XV Crosstrek tire pressure system should begin the reset procedure after driving to a speed of at least 20 mph to 25 mph. The tire pressure system will then automatically reset.

Warning light name: ABS
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek is equipped with anti-lock brakes (ABS) which help the driver to maintain control of the vehicle whilst under heavy braking.
Action to take: The ABS warning light remains lit when a fault has been detected with the system. Under these conditions, ABS will fail to operate but normal brakes will continue to operate. Often the cause of ABS fault is due to one of the wheels speed sensors malfunctioning.

ABS and Brake Warning Light
If both the ABS and brake warning light come on simultaneously, it means the Electronic Brake Force Distribution (EBD) has malfunctioned. EBD is responsible for variable brake force distribution between individual wheels to increase the vehicle’s braking ability. Drive with extreme caution and have the system repaired as soon as possible.

Warning light name: Brake
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek brake warning light comes on for the several reasons.
Action to take: The brake warning light is potentially serious and requires immediate attention. If the brake warning light comes on:

1. Check that the parking brake is properly released.
2. Check brake fluid levels. If brake fluid levels is under the minimum level indicator, it may suggest a brake fluid leak and is advised not to continue driving.
3. If the brake fluid level is above the minimum level indicator and the parking brake is fully released, it may indicate a fault with the EBD (see above), particularly if the ABS light also illuminates. Provided the brakes are still working, drive carefully to your nearest Subaru vehicle workshop.

Warning light name: Yellow brake light
Description: On newer versions of the Subaru XV Crosstrek, a yellow brake warning light comes on to indicate a fault either with the electronic parking brake or the brake vacuum pressure system.
Action to take: If the yellow brake warning light remains on after starting the engine but goes out after releasing the electronic parking brake, it is normal and safe to continue. Additionally, if the yellow brake light illuminates while driving, but goes out and stays off, this is normal.

If the yellow brake light remains constantly lit, it indicates a fault in the brake vacuum pressure system (this helps the driver to apply pressure to the brake pedal) or a fault with the electronic parking brake. Drive very carefully and have your vehicle inspected by a Subaru workshop immediately.

Warning light name: Hill start
Description: While the engine is running, if there are any malfunctions in the hill start assist system, this warning light will illuminate.
Action to take: Have the hill start assist system serviced.

 

Warning light name: AWD
Description: The Subaru XV Crosstrek All-Wheel Drive (AWD) light illuminates when AWD is disengaged and the drive mechanism is switched to Front Wheel Drive for maintenance or similar purposes. The AWD light flashes if the vehicle is driven with tires of differing diameters fitted. The light also flashes if there’s excessively low air pressure in
any of the tires.

Warning light name: Power steering
Description: The power steering warning light staying on means that steering assist is no longer operating. There may be more resistance when the steering wheel is operated. This may be due to a malfunction or a temporary cut to the power steering motor. If the steering wheel is operated in the
following ways, the power steering control system may temporarily reduce or cut the power to the motor in order to prevent the system components from overheating.

• The steering wheel is operated constantly for left to right lock.
  
• The steering wheel remains in the fully turned position for a long period of time while the engine is running.

Action to take: If the light remains on over an extended period of time, have the power steering system serviced.

Warning light name: VDC
Description: The XV Crosstrek Vehicle Dynamics Control (VDC) system is a stability system that helps to minimize understeer, oversteer and loss of traction. VDC uses the ABS system, including wheel speed sensors to detect the loss of stability. The VDC warning lights either:

• Flashes: Meaning the system is currently operating.
• Stays on: Meaning there’s a fault with the VDC system.

Action to take: Have the ABS wheel speed sensors checked.

Warning light name: Security
Description: The key and car warning light is the Subaru XV Crosstrek security warning light and illuminates and displays the status of the alarm and immobilizer system. The security warning light flashes for around 1 minute when the key is turned to the ACC or LOCK position and when the key is removed from the ignition.
Action to take: Each immobilizer key when inserted into the ignition and switched to the ON position transmits the
key’s ID code to the immobilizer system’s receiver.

If the key battery is low or the key is damaged or corrupt, the vehicle will not start. A new key may require programming, battery replacement or another common fault is the receiver ring in the ignition.

Warning light name: Parking brake
Description: On versions of the Subaru XV Crosstrek with electronic parking brake, this warning light comes on when the electronic parking brake has been applied.
Action to take: If the electronic parking brake warning flashes or if the light remains lit when the parking brake is released, it may indicate a fault with the system. This means the electronic parking brake may behave unpredictably. It’s advised that you stop as soon as possible and contact a Subaru workshop for advise.

Warning light name: Auto start stop
Description: On versions of the Subaru XV Crosstrek with auto start stop, this green symbol illuminates when the system has automatically stopped the engine. The system is designed to help save fuel and reduce exhaust emissions. When a fault with the start stop system is detected, this symbol will display in yellow.

Subaru XV Crosstrek Start Stop Not Working
The Subaru XV Crosstrek may not work under the following conditions:

• The check engine warning light is illuminated
• Electronic parking brake is applied
• Hood is open
• The vehicle is at an altitude of more than approximately 1,500 m (4,900 ft)
• The outside temperature is lower than approximately -108C (148F)
• The CVT fluid is not sufficiently warmed up or when the CVT fluid is excessively high
• The vehicle battery charge is low (most common reason)
• The climate control system temperature difference between the setting temperature and the temperature inside the vehicle is significant
• Significant airflow generated by the climate control system

Subaru Crosstrek Auto Start Stop System Disable
The Subaru XV Crosstrek auto start stop system can be switched off and temporarily disabled by pressing the auto start stop OFF switch.

Auto start stop cannot be permanently disabled. After the engine has been switched off and restated, auto start stop will be operating again.

Warning light name: AVH
Description: The AVH lights up in green when the Subaru XV Crosstrek Auto Vehicle Hold (AVH) is activated. The AVH stopped symbol is displayed when the vehicle is stopped by the AVH system.